Showing posts with label High School. Show all posts
Showing posts with label High School. Show all posts

4/25/2015

Review: The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider

The Beginning of Everything by Robyn Schneider
★★★☆☆
Release Date: 2013
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Tragedy, Love, Coming of Age, High School
Format: ebook
Source: Library
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Golden boy Ezra Faulkner believes everyone has a tragedy waiting for them—a single encounter after which everything that really matters will happen. His particular tragedy waited until he was primed to lose it all: in one spectacular night, a reckless driver shatters Ezra’s knee, his athletic career, and his social life.
No longer a front-runner for Homecoming King, Ezra finds himself at the table of misfits, where he encounters new girl Cassidy Thorpe. Cassidy is unlike anyone Ezra’s ever met, achingly effortless, fiercely intelligent, and determined to bring Ezra along on her endless adventures.
But as Ezra dives into his new studies, new friendships, and new love, he learns that some people, like books, are easy to misread. And now he must consider: if one’s singular tragedy has already hit and everything after it has mattered quite a bit, what happens when more misfortune strikes?
This is a good book, with great writing, that is mysterious enough to make you want to read to the last page and it had everything I needed in a story right now, because my one year old keeps me more entertained than a lot of the books I've sat down to read. But, this one kept me hooked because I had to know how it ended!

The Beginning of Everything is a good coming of age story about a boy who loses everything he thought he was made of only to gain perspective and become more of who he really is. It's funny, yet not mindless, and filled with witty quotes and kids who talk like adults. It's a YA novel that adults can appreciate as well and I found Robyn Schneider's writing style similar to John Green's. It takes place mostly over the beginning of Ezra's (OMG I love that name, Vampire Weekend anybody?) senior year when he becomes reunited with his past and realizes things are different from the outside. The reflective nature of this book is something I always love, characters who change and grow. Cassidy brings a puzzling nature to the story as the reader and Ezra try to figure her out. She's straight forward when it comes to speaking her mind but not her heart. Toby was by far my favorite character. He's Ezra's best childhood friend and they rekindle their friendship as if they've never parted. I think we all have friends like Toby and can relate to their relationship.

I will say, and nothing to do with the writing, but after reading the story I'm just not crazy about the title or cover of this book. I love them, but not for this story. Severed Heads, Broken Hearts is the UK title and I love that so much more for this story.

9/03/2013

Screwed Review and Giveaway

Screwed by Laurie Plissner
Release Date: May 2013
Publisher: Merit Press
Age: Mature Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary, Coming of Age, Teen Pregnancy, High School
Format: Hardback
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Flattered by the attentions of Nick, the cutest guy in school, seventeen-year-old Grace Warren, captain of the math team, lets down her guard and gets pregnant the night she loses her virginity. Hopeful that Nick will drop to one knee and propose when she breaks the baby news to him, Grace is heartbroken - Nick wants nothing to do with her. Her best friend, Jennifer, thinks she should get an abortion, but Grace is certain that her morally upright parents will insist that she keep the baby. After she comes clean to her super-religious, strait-laced parents, they surprise her by insisting that she terminate the pregnancy to avoid humiliating the family. But when she sees the fetus on the ultrasound, she decides she can't get rid of it. Deciding to save the tiny life growing inside of her, Grace must face the consequences of being that girl - the good girl who got knocked up.
Grace is faced with one of those tough-life altering decisions; does she face her problems head on or make them go away?

Grace is a bright senior in High School who makes a mistake that shakes everything she's ever believed and known. When she gets pregnant by a boy she barely knows, she is faced with the wrath of her "let's make our appearances shine" parents who try to force her into doing something she doesn't want to. When she won't do as they say, they kick her out, thinking she'll come to her senses and obey them. Brought in by a neighbor, Helen, she begins one of the hardest years of her life but decides to do what she thinks is best, not terminate her pregnancy. She loses and gains people in her life during this time.

Helen is a rock in her crazy world. She supports and loves her, letting her know that whatever she does will be the best decision. Having survived concentration camps and a Nazi regime, Helen values family and is loyal to those around her.

Screwed is an issue book; it's a what would you do book and a look at people and not down to them book. It's a book that will make you think, reflect, and relive moments in your life. There's a part in the story where Grace is sad for the adopted families that she's considering. She doesn't find it fair that they can't have a child when they want one so bad, but a teenager with no money or support system can. This is one of those things that I often think about. This book, while very fictional and happily ever after, brings up conversation and tough situations. It's a great discussion book or book to read in a group.

Have you seen the film Saved? Throughout this book that movie kept popping up in my head. When I start reading a book about anything religious I inwardly cringe. It's not something that I enjoy reading. This book was one that painted Grace's parents as hypocritical christians, preaching one thing and living by a completely different moral code. I hated them. The way they push Grace out of their lives and continue living, more so her dad. I know people are like that, but it's awful. And, it's awful to think how loyal Grace is to the fault of wanting them back in her life after everything.

Jennifer, Grace's friend, is a loud mouth pain in the rear. As a reader you can tell she has her heart in the right place, with Grace in mind, but man. She kind of made me crazy. Charlie on the other hand, while his dialogue was way to formal, he was sweet and considerate.

The book changes point of view a lot. One minute your seeing the story from Grace's point of view and then all of a sudden without warning you're in her mom or dad's head. At times the reader is even thrust into the point of view of other characters that make rare appearances. It got to be confusing, unnecessary and I felt the story would lose it's flow.

Overall, Screwed is a fast paced, easy (but not light) read about a girl doing what she feels is right despite what those around her want. It's inspirational and I can't even begin to put my self in the shoes of the teens who struggle with problems like this.

GIVEAWAY
The publisher provided me with a copy for review and now I'd like to pass it on to one of you!
Open to entrants 13 and older in the US.

8/27/2013

Dare You To Review

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits #2) by Katie McGarry
★★★★★
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Abuse, High School, Relocation, Opposites
Format: ebook
Source: Author via Netgalley
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."
"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....
"I dare you..."
If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....
Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.
But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all...
I absolutely, positively fell in love with this book! It is definitely a must read!

Pushing the Limits, the first book in this series was amazing! It was one of my favorite reads and led me to a new favorite author (to stalk), Katie McGarry. Pushing the Limits was a down right angst packed emotional overload. And, Katie McGarry has once again created a phenomenal story in Dare You To. In this sequel/companion the reader gets to follow Beth, Noah's friend, through a rough time in her life. When Beth relocates out of Louisville and into the small town of Groveton, her life is given a second chance but it's something she doesn't want. All she wants are her old friends back and the chance to help her mother.

This story happens after PtL and we get to see slivers of Noah and Echo, and we also get Beth's POV on their relationship. But, this is all Beth's story not theirs. It was nice to hear about them in passing.

After a stint in jail Beth goes to live with her baseball star uncle, whom she wants nothing to do with. She moves out of the city into a rural setting and is supposed to cut all ties with her past. Her best friend Isaiah isn't having that. Their relationship is filled with kisses and they lean on each other, but for different reasons. Isaiah's feelings may be running deeper than Beth's. I really loved the growth of relationship between Beth and her uncle; and the growth in Beth in general. To hear about their past together and see how much he truly cares for her. Beth is rough around the edges, she's mean and downright dirty, all claws and bite; but she's still a teenage girl who needs stability and love.

There were a lot of labels in this book. The characters are immensely different and have these preconceived notions about one another. I really had to step back and think about the importance of Katie adding them in throughout the story. I felt that the labels served as a reminder to all of us that what you see is never what you get. When walls and barriers come crashing down it didn't matter what the other person wore, no one changed their appearance; they were loved for who they were. This book became a powerful love story and a story about one girls struggle with family and life. Such an impacting and forceful read, I hung onto every word; it didn't let me go.

There's so much to discuss from this story from Beth's mom's monster of a boyfriend, Trent; to the mean girls at school and everyone in between. Beth's "I don't care attitude" is cocky and full of it and the way she treats her uncle's wife is obscene and awful, all of these elements and character traits make this book three dimensional and real. Real, raw, and unforgettable.

This book is definitely filled with mature material and concepts and not something that I'd consider for younger YA. It's a mature and gripping read comprised of adult elements and situations. I fell in love with the broken lead character and her flaws, I also fell hard for Ryan and his charm. It's books like this that make reading and reviewing an amazing part of my day!!

Also, check out Crossing the Line a Pushing the Limits novella

7/28/2013

The Truth About You and Me Review

The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace
★★★☆☆
Release Date: September 8, 2013
Publisher: Flux
Age: Young Adult
Genre: Coming of Age, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Teacher, Love, High School, College
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Preorder it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Smart girls aren't supposed to do stupid things.
Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she's so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennet. He's cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she's endured - and missed out on - in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she's falling in love.
There's only one problem. Bennet is Madelyn's college professor, and he thinks she's eighteen - because she hasn't told him the truth.
The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennet - both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.
For me, this book was an okay read. It is a story that treads the water but never dives in. I wanted to be pulled under, but it never happened. My feelings for the characters never went beyond my initial takes, I didn't feel connected to their development and I really wasn't feeling their love. I'd say this is a coming of age book, a finding oneself book, more than a love story.

Maddie is a liar. Point blank. It's hard to even want to like someone who is supposed to be a genius but is, in all ways that count, quite the average person. The girl lacks common sense. What's that phrase, book smart but not street smart. Maddie's not life smart. She lures a teacher into a relationship built up on false pretenses and while she constantly thinks about the thing, her age, that separates them; she never once thinks about him (honestly). Their relationship is short lived and the way in which they fall out was sad, for him. He ends up losing so much more than she does. The ending of the book was by far my favorite part. Amanda Grace couldn't have concluded their story better.

The Truth About You and Me is told in the form of a letter. Maddie is writing a letter to help Bennett. Maddie is naive and young, it's hard to blame her for the way she acts because really; she's just a kid. As I got into the book I couldn't stop reading, I wanted to know what happened. I wanted to know why Maddie was writing these letters and I wanted to know how their story panned out. I was hooked in from the beginning and easily blew through the story. If you're looking for something light (even with the dense subject matter) and easy to get into, I recommend this one.

7/03/2013

Losing Hope ARC Review and Hopeless Giveaway

Losing Hope (Hopeless #2) by Colleen Hoover
★★★★★
Release Date: July 8, 2013
Publisher: Atria Books
Age: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Abuse, Love, High School, Realistic Fiction
Format: ebook
Source: Publisher via Netgalley
Preorder it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
In the follow-up to Colleen Hoover’s #1 New York Times bestseller Hopeless, the charming and irresistible Dean Holder tells the passionate story that has melted thousands of hearts.

In Hopeless, Sky left no secret unearthed, no feeling unshared, and no memory forgotten, but Holder’s past remained a mystery.

Still haunted by the little girl he let walk away, Holder has spent his entire life searching for her in an attempt to finally rid himself of the crushing guilt he has felt for years. But he could not have anticipated that the moment they reconnect, even greater remorse would overwhelm him…

Sometimes in life, if we wish to move forward, we must first dig deep into our past and make amends. In Losing Hope, bestselling author Colleen Hoover reveals what was going on inside Holder’s head during all those hopeless moments—and whether he can gain the peace he desperately needs.
I have to start this review here, with my review of HOPELESS. That book blew me out of the water, I can't express how much it affected and tore me apart. The revelations and discoveries were heart stopping and I was utterly overwhelmed and consumed by the book that Colleen Hoover gifted to us, because it is a rare gift and an extraordinary treasure. If you haven't read Hopeless, really you could read Losing Hope as it is mostly a retelling from Holder POV BUT! I recommend Hopeless, I recommend it to everyone to read, and I think you'll love this book that much more if you already love these characters and are familiar with the events of the first book.

This review may contain spoilers from Hopeless, just a warning.
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Are you sure you want to continue?
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I really think you should go read Hopeless first and by should I mean have to.
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Hopeless is only $.99 for Kindle at this moment, I think it's worth a go! Get it at Amazon !
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How about I host a giveaway for Hopeless.
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Okay, I'll get back to business now.
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JUST GO BUY HOPELESS ALREADY!!!!! Then preorder this one ;)
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Losing Hope starts in the before. Before Les conquers her battle with the demons of her past. Before Holder sees Sky. Before, before, before. We get a glimpse into the emotions that Holder faced through the 2 most, I won't say devastating, life altering events of his life. The events that leave him Hopeless, until the sky opens up for him.

My favorite thing about this book are Holder's journal entries. Getting inside his head and seeing his grief morph into something close to living again, his life and Sky's change together and it's beautiful and broken at the same time. Reliving the disastrous ending of Hopeless was hard for me, what these characters go through was so intense and horrible. Those emotions rocked me and while it was easier to read the second time, it was still hard to digest.

I live and love Dean Holder. He's this solid unmoving force in Sky's life and even when she wanted to push him away, he made her resolve crumble. And, to me this meant that deep down somewhere she knew who he was and what he really meant to her.

This book is all kinds of epically great and just the BEST companion to Hopeless. Colleen Hoover is one of my favorites because she seems to pour a piece of herself into her books and she just nails the emotional turmoil and drama on the head. I loved Hopeless and I love Losing Hope just as much. Yes, this review is just turning into a love-fest.

At the end of Losing Hope we get a glimpse past the last page of Hopeless. Just as the beginning was before, this is after. After the truth is exposed, after it all. It's a truly perfect ending, and theirs this beautiful note left from someone very important and it just gave me all kinds of crazy butterflies. Just, way to go Colleen!

I want to quote the crap out of this book! I want to share my favorite lines and your sure to be favorites as well. As this is an ARC I will wait; but rest assured that as soon as my copy of Losing Hope gets here next week (it's out MONDAY!) I will be creating a post of my favorite lines from Losing Hope, my highlighter is READY. Most are ramblings inside Holder's head. My favorite of them all is how Holder is explaining how he's falling in love with Sky one piece at a time. Ahhh! I can't wait.

So, for more than obvious reasons this book is a 5 star for me. Those Hopeless fans probably already have it preordered; if you don't, get on that. :)


GIVEAWAY
If you don't have a dollar to spend right now; I'll spend it for you!
This is for a Kindle copy of HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover, gifted from Amazon.

4/02/2013

Going Under by S. Walden Review

Going Under by S. Walden
★★★★★
Release Date: March 14, 2013
Publisher: Penny Press
Age: New Adult, 17+
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Drama, Suspense, Abuse, High School, Love, Rape
Format: ebook
Source: purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Brooke Wright has only two goals her senior year at Charity Run High School: stay out of trouble and learn to forgive herself for the past. Forgiveness proves elusive, and trouble finds her anyway when she discovers a secret club at school connected to the death of her best friend. She learns that swim team members participate in a “Fantasy Slut League,” scoring points for their sexual acts with unsuspecting girls.
Brooke, wracked with guilt over her friend’s death, decides to infiltrate the league by becoming one of the “unsuspecting girls,” and exact revenge on the boys who stole away her best friend. An unexpected romance complicates her plans, and her dogged pursuit of justice turns her reckless as she underestimates just how far the boys will go to keep their sex club a secret.
(This is a New Adult fiction book with mature themes. It contains graphic sex and language and a description of sexual violence.)
I give Going Under 5 huge, larger than life stars and I need a drink, like a really big one (with an umbrella or something) but like straight vodka. Yeah. But, before I indulge..

Every now and then I read a book that strikes a cord so deep that I have to get my review out as soon as the last word is read. Going Under was one of those books. I cannot eat, sleep, or pay my dogs any attention until I address what an AMAZING and thought provoking book this is. It has the power to change the way you look at books and S. Walden has the ability to make the outside world disappear and allow only her fictional story exist. I have to share this read with all of you before I can move on with my life. Truthfully. So here goes.

From the very beginning I knew this book would be emotional and raw. I knew from the heavy subject matter that things were about the get crazy. Brooke approaches her plan for revenge head-on and as a reader it was an unforgettable journey through her approach and her self discovery. The shift in beginning Brooke to end Brooke is massive. So much happens between the pages, some of which I still can't wrap my head around, it's jarring and heartbreaking but at the same time it was kind of perfect, especially in the end. It's the kind of book you find yourself mad at, screaming at and rereading to make sure you got it right; then you find yourself shell shocked and numb. I was a lunatic throughout this book, looney I tell you. Totally murmuring to myself and stuff. Yeah. It'll do that to you.

The complexity of the characters and their well thought through (on the authors part) their lives, flaws, and everything in between is what kept me going back in for more. I couldn't get enough of Ryan, I was intrigued and disgusted by the swimmers, and fascinated with this mission that Brooke was on. She was a firecracker determined to set things right. Her plight was a redeeming quality, even when in the beginning she didn't have many of those to me. Her strength and pure force was something I never saw coming. I liked Brooke, throughout the entire book I liked her (even when I didn't) but she really transforms before your eyes. What was sometimes a juvenile story becomes a lot more.

Ryan was without a doubt my favorite part of this book. He's mysterious and oh so adorable; he was this complicated puzzle that I tried desperately to figure out before Brooke had the chance but I had nothing, I was stumped. And, I'm so happy for that. The relationship he builds with Brooke is intense and they become cute and comfortable together. I was lost in the passion I had for this book, which ranged from every feeling known to man S. Walden's writing elicited them all. Her twisting and turning events also kept me focused on this book (and nothing else, no really, I don't think I've done anything around the house since I started reading it).
""You don't know me from Adam," I said to her. She reached for a paper towel. "But that guy you're with is bad news."
"Huh?"
"That guy you're with is-"
"No no," she interuped. "What you said before. What does that mean?"
"What are you talking about?"
"That thing you said about Adam. Does Adam like me?" she asked, her face flushing a rosy pink.
Dear God.
S. Walden is kind of hilarious, even in a non-hilarious setting. This book is drama-filled. But, it's well rounded in that we have plenty of opportunities to giggle and grin at her writing as we're allowing our tears to dry. I'd say she's an equal opportunity writer, in that she gives us all a reason to love her; so whether you want to laugh or become emotionally spent, she's your girl. And really, while the entire book has a serious undertone most of the actual suspense and drama occurs more towards the end, there's some deeply seeded things throughout but I fell apart at the end. :) Just sayin.

An emotionally jarring, discussion starting, thought provoking, tear jerking book that I believe is a must read. It will sucker punch and blind you, no lie, but in its craziness and brutal force it will open your eyes while breaking your heart. Here's my prediction, this book will rock the charts. It will be big, huge, gi-freaking-normous and you're all going to enjoy it, every bleeping second!

While I loved this book, I loved the tears I shed and the emotionally draining yet satisfying story; it is not a story for everyone. It is dark and rough, and it is a topic that not everyone is comfortable reading about. There are plenty of happy moments and some cute and hilarious ones but it handles some intense subjects. I do believe it sheds light in dark places and is overall a story of survival and standing up for oneself. It's a ray of sunshine in a dark corner, and S. Walden did a remarkable job!

1/07/2013

Tempestuous Review and Giveaway

Tempestuous by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes
A Twisted Lit Novel
★★★★☆
Release Date: December 18, 2012
Publisher: Merit Press
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Retelling, Realistic Fiction, High School
Format: Hardback
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Tempestuous is a catty and wit-filled teen novel with hilarious lines and relatable characters. Together these authors create a world that lasts one night, reminiscent of a mystery infused version of The Breakfast Club. Breaking all social boundaries Miranda and the other characters travel the roads of self discovery and find new friends along the way. It is a must read for fans of young adult comedies and fans of John Green.

Miranda is one of those girls that has all of the answers. A born leader, but this leader takes the fall for a cheating scheme in her school and is outcasted and forced to (exhale) get a job! As her life tumbles around her she meets some new and unexpected new associates. This princess begins working in the mall's food court and befriending a gang of unlikely misfits. From there her story just gets better. It is an all around feel good contemporary romance that left me smiling at the direction it took. Everything about this book screams brilliant; from the slew of characters to the drama that plays out. It happens to be a book that for me was unputdownable.

Tempestuous is a Nancy Drew, Clue, Mall Rats combination; filled with teen rivalry and some all around fun. When a winter storm strands mall employees overnight Miranda and her fellow consorts band together against her former friends; all the while evading a robber who is likely hiding out in the mall as well. The book is exciting and includes calculating tactics for revenge; it took me back to high school days and the vengeance I (we all) wished I (we) could've performed on some unsuspecting scum. Taking what they need from stores, with every intent on returning it, they set out to spend the night and in turn have the time of their lives.

The book begins near the end, the prologue highlighting the mess this group creates for themselves. Then goes to the beginning of the crazy night. From the start it builds and builds, keeping me hooked and interested. Fans of Young Adult fiction will swoon over Caleb's character in this PG rated romance, even if Miranda is too blind to see it. My favorite part of the book was the relationship between Caleb and Miranda. Beginning pretty much as enemies, the manipulator Miranda isn't used to someone who doesn't grovel at her feet. Caleb's character was real and authentic, he stood his ground and was overall a really great guy and great for her.

It is a fun and fast read that I really enjoyed. A loose adaptation of The Tempest by William Shakespeare, that many will love! Make sure to add it to your TBR pile!

Another Twisted Lit book by Kim and Amy: Exposure (Modern Day Spin on Macbeth)

Giveaway
One hardback copy of Tempestuous by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes
US Only

12/04/2012

The Sea of Tranquility Review

The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
★★★★★
Release Date: ebook available now!
Publisher: Atria Books
Age: Mature YA/New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Issues, Drama, High School, Death, Illness
Format: ebook
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
I live in a world without magic or miracles. A place where there are no clairvoyants or shapeshifters, no angels or superhuman boys to save you. A place where people die and music disintegrates and things suck. I am pressed so hard against the earth by the weight of reality that some days I wonder how I am still able to lift my feet to walk.
Full of rage and without a purpose, former pianist Nastya Kashnikov wants two things: to get through high school without anyone discovering her past and to make the boy who took everything from her pay.

All 17 year-old Josh Bennett wants is to build furniture and be left alone, and everyone allows it because it’s easier to pretend he doesn’t exist. When your name is synonymous with death, everyone tends to give you your space.

Everyone except Nastya, a hot mess of a girl who starts showing up and won’t go away until she’s insinuated herself into every aspect of his life. The more he gets to know her, the more of a mystery she becomes. As their relationship intensifies and the unanswered questions begin to pile up, he starts to wonder if he may ever learn the secrets she’s been hiding or if he even wants to.

The Sea of Tranquility is a slow-building, character-driven romance about a lonely boy, an emotionally fragile girl, and the miracle of second chances.

Please Note: This book contains mature content including profanity, drug/alcohol use, and sexual situations/language.
There are so many strong and tough issues surrounding this book. It's a compassionate story of loss and hope and one that I found very refreshing in the way it plays out. It's an incredible book and one I know a lot of people will love. While a contemporary romance at its core, this book is much deeper than most and will work its' way into your mind and heart. Filled with all the rage, hurt, passion, and mystery I've ever felt in one setting and more. Not the book to miss, it is truly a must read!

Nastya moves a few hours from home to get away from her past; she's escaping the scenery that is all too familiar and changing everything about herself in the process. Disconnected from her life and loved ones she moves in with her aunt and starts fresh. Only fresh for her is faking everything about her life. And, she doesn't talk anymore. When she moves to a new school, where no one knows her past, everything she is trying to get over still haunts her in a lot of what she does and especially in those things she can no longer do. Driven to forget but never forgive, Nastya burrows herself in and her shell is on the surface dealing day to day. Enrolled in a shop class that she has no idea the first things about, Nastya slowly lets herself make an effort to be present in her life. Late one night she runs into a boy named Josh and from then something in her shifts. He catches her with her guards and mask down.
"You don't have to trust me. I don't have any of your secrets."
Josh was by far my favorite character of the book. He's known more loss than anyone can imagine and is learning how to deal, he's a strong individual. He'd rather be left alone but Nastya feels a kinship in him and doesn't really give him any say in the matter as she wiggles herself into his heart. And, there their friendship begins. It builds slowly and gradually as she shows up at his house late at night to watch him work and in silence they begin to get to know each other.

Nastya is an extremely complex character, and I loved getting to know her and her secrets (which this book is full of). The trauma she has experienced is unimaginable and she deals with it the best she can without help. I won't give more of the story away but it's an intense plot filled with shocking revelations and twists and turns. It has all of the elements in a contemporary romance and those of a suspense. This book kept me on my toes and my eyes never left the pages.
"We're like mysteries to one another. Maybe if I can solve him and he can solve me, we can explain each other. Maybe that's what I need. Someone to explain me."
A great addition to the book are the many secondary characters. They are fully developed, well rounded, and likable. I enjoyed getting to know each and think any of them could have a spin off book as well (especially Drew!). Katja's book is flawless and I can't wait until June to purchase a physical copy!

The Sea of Tranquility is one of the most emotion filled stories out there. It's shocking and heartbreaking and Katja Millay makes the reader feel all the pain and happiness the characters are experiencing. I loved it. It's not a light read, and it's worth every tear. I can't get this book out of my mind! It has honestly invaded every piece of me!
"Everyday you save me."
So, to sum up my feelings: READ IT! Right this second. Go. Why aren't you moving? Stop reading this and go BUY this book! Oh, and buy a few copies because it's one you'll want to gift around!

12/01/2012

Blog Tour: Stalk Me Review and Giveaways


Stalk Me (Keatyn Chronicles #1) by Jillian Dodd
★★★★☆
Release Date: September 1, 2012
Age: Mature YA
Genre: Romance, High School, Drama, Actors, Stalker
Format: ebook
Source: AToMR Tours
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | iBookstore
Extra: Pinterest Board | Keatyn Chronicles Fanpage | Keatyn Chronicles Twitter
Gossip girl meets Hollywood in this new series by Jillian Dodd
Keatyn has everything she ever dreamed of. Her life is following the script she wrote for the perfect high school experience. She’s popular, goes to the best parties, dates the hottest guy, and sits at the most coveted lunch table.

She’s just not sure she wants it anymore.

Because really, things aren’t all that perfect.
Her best friend is threatening to tell everyone her perfect relationship is a scam.
Her perfect boyfriend gets drunk at every party they go to.
It’s exhausting always trying to look and act perfect.
And deep down, she isn’t sure if she has any true friends.

To add to the drama, her movie star mom has a creepy stalker.
A hot, mysterious man keeps flirting with her and telling her they should make a movie together.
And she’s crushing on an adorable surfer. Dating him would mean committing social suicide.

So she writes a new script. One where all the pieces of her life will come together in perfect harmony.
But little does she know, there's someone who will do anything to make sure that doesn’t happen.
Stalk Me became more than I was expecting, although I didn't really know what to expect just that it seemed like a fun read! My emotions fluctuated throughout the book between joy to disgust, Jillian Dodd knows how to create some mean girls (and boys). Keatyn's story features a ton of drama, cute boys, surfing, dancing, and just an all around fun vibe; then things get dark and the balance and addition of that added element made this book stand out from the other contemporary romances I've read.
"I was wrong. I gotta get out of there. I think I'm a mean girl. Like I'm becoming plastic or something."
The book features more shallow and obnoxious secondary characters than I've ever come into contact with; forget punching who she does punch Keatyn should've knocked Vanessa out!! Oh man. Jillian Dodd takes this rich and glitzy lifestyle and creates real people who would've come out of it, real people I LOVE to hate. These teenagers are pretty awful, except Cush, I still really like Cush (I know, I know).

Throughout the book Keatyn, growing up with an actress mom and step dad, relates a lot of things to scripts and movies. She creates these, if only it would happen this way-type scripts especially when it comes to the boys in her life.

If I was going to describe Keatyn in one word it would be fickle. The girl is clueless. I will say, from the beginning to the end of the book I was quite impressed with her growth, but she is still kind of a spoiled brat. Jillian Dodd does an amazing job letting the readers get to know all of her characters, from Keatyn to her little sisters and from her parents to her friends, no lack of imagination there! Keatyn struggles, even up until the end of the book, with who she really is. Is she a soccer playing surfer, a dancer, a mean girl, and more. I see her as all of these things, and hopefully at some point she sees that it's ok to not fit into one box.

Boys. hmmm. How do I address this major part of the book. Keatyn really hands her heart out, and she's not really getting it back in one piece throughout this book. The poor girl. Let's make an org chart, just kidding. In the beginning of the book Keatyn is with Sander, and I will say (I saw that coming). Then she's with Brooklyn, then Cush (who I am still rooting for!) and it kind of keeps going a little. I don't think she knows what she wants honestly, which is understandable she's young. But, she really goes back and forth. Like I said, fickle. It's all very true to her character though. Well done Jillian, well done.

Keatyn's siblings bring this adorable side out of her, they really help shape her. Stalk Me is a book that I found myself not only laughing out loud with but experiencing so many ups and downs. I felt connected to the book and that is a huge thing for me.
Emery gives me a rock that she's colored on. She whispers in my ear. "You can smash people's fingers with it when they're mean." 
At the end of Stalk Me, Jillian opens up the book for the sequel and I'm looking forward to the rest of the series! Book 2, Kiss Me, is out now!

Giveaways!
Tour wide giveaways!
International: 10 ebook copies of Stalk Me (Gifted from Amazon or BN)


US/Canada- 2 Paperback copies of Stalk Me



Stalk Me is currently only $.99!! Through December 2nd, when it will return to $2.99! Get your copy now!

Jillian Dodd
Jillian Dodd grew up on a farm in Nebraska, where she developed a love for Midwestern boys and Nebraska football. She has drank from a keg in a cornfield, attended the University of Nebraska, got to pass her candle, and did have a boy ask her to marry him in a bar. She met her own prince in college, and they have two amazing children, a Maltese named Sugar Bear, and two Labrador puppies named Camber Lacy and Cali Lucy.
She is the author of the That Boy Trilogy and The Keatyn Chronicles Series.

7/08/2012

Hallowed by Cynthia Hand Review

Hallowed (Unearthly #2) by Cynthia Hand
★★★★☆
Release Date: January 17, 2012
Publisher: Harper Teen
Age: YA
Genre: Angels, Romance, Drama, Fallen Angels, High School,
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository
For months part-angel Clara Gardner trained to face the raging forest fire from her visions and rescue the alluring and mysterious Christian Prescott from the blaze. But nothing could prepare her for the fateful decisions she would be forced to make that day, or the startling revelation that her purpose—the task she was put on earth to accomplish—is not as straightforward as she thought. Now, torn between her increasingly complicated feelings for Christian and her love for her boyfriend, Tucker, Clara struggles to make sense of what she was supposed to do the day of the fire. And, as she is drawn further into the world of part angels and the growing conflict between White Wings and Black Wings, Clara learns of the terrifying new reality that she must face: Someone close to her will die in a matter of months. With her future uncertain, the only thing Clara knows for sure is that the fire was just the beginning.
Let's start with Unearthly, because I think that is a fabulous place to start. About a year in a half ago I read this fantastic book about angels. One of the first I had come across that was an original and healthy take on a paranormal genre about a human and part angel falling in love. The book will keep your attention and is simply a great read.

In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees . . . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy. Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side. As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Fast forward to now. I bought Hallowed, book 2 in the Unearthly series as soon as it came out, in January. But, I haven't been in the mood to get back into that story (I'm not sure why, but it just wasn't something I wanted to read). It sat on my nightstand for a few months and finally Saturday I picked it up. And well folks, it's Sunday and I'm posting the review. I should have dove in when I first got it, it's just overall a wonderful series.

As mentioned, Hallowed is a book 2, Unearthly being the first book in the series. If you're looking for a fresh and beautiful take on celestial beings look no further.

The story continues to follow Clara (who I forever want to call Clary, but that's not her name) and her search to fulfill her purpose. After the shocking revelations in book 1, the story takes flight in book two with never ending drama, suspense, and more romance. With a wonderfully crafted love-triangle this book is hands down my favorite angel story.

I will say that I am team Christian all the way :)

To celebrate this series I have created a photo album on the blog face book page The Life of Fiction, called If You Like Books About Angels... that features some great YA Angel books and their info. There are also 3 other photo albums; 2012 Releases, If You Liked The Hunger Games.. and Other Dystopian Novels, and If You Like Sarah Dessen... and other Contemporary Romance. So, make sure to check those out for some sweet recommendations.

And, look at the beautiful cover for book 3, Boundless, due out in January of 2013!

Such a pretty series.

6/21/2012

Cardboard Characters by Julie Seifert Review

Cardboard Characters by Julie Seifert
★★★★☆
Release Date: March 1, 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary, School, Acting, Drama, realistic fiction
Format: ebook
Source: author for review
Buy it: Amazon | Barnes and Noble
Set under the boiling sun of Tampa, Florida, the young adult novel, CARDBOARD CHARACTERS, tells the story of sixteen-year-old Leah Bergan, a girl who knows that you can’t build a boat out of cardboard. And you should trust her on that. She and her best friend, Eddie, have been trying for months. And not just cardboard: plastic, paper, the hood of a junk-yard car. They’re running out of ideas and time. Time gets even tighter when Leah is accidentally cast as the lead in her high school’s play. Suddenly, Leah is stuck in the spotlight -- and stuck going to four hour rehearsals. Instead of being surrounded by the ocean, she’s now surrounded by a bunch of wacky drama kids, who like to stare deeply into the distance and make up stories about doors.

Leah just wants to survive the play without humiliating herself, but the student director, Minerva Watson, has other plans. To Leah, it seems like Minerva only has two goals in life: 1) Turn Leah into an actress, whether she likes it or not and 2) Keep the drama club from getting shut down by the student government. But when one of Minerva’s schemes involves Leah’s friend Eddie, Leah is forced to choose between protecting him and lying to everyone, including her long-lost love, Nathan, or telling the truth and losing everything. Then, of course, things go horribly wrong, and Leah ends up stuck twenty miles outside a town called Christmas, next to a gift store selling alligator meat. But with the help of her crazy cast-mates, Leah might just make it home, take the stage and even finish her boat, learning a little bit about life, love, and character development along the way.
If I was going to take one sentence from Julie's witty story Cardboard Characters which I would sum up as; a story about a misplaced teenager finding her way, it would be:
"But that shouldn't surprise you, since I'm clearly a hardcore gangster."
Out of context you might be saying to yourself, "Really Carole, Really?" Yes really! Read it! It's books like this one that make me miss High School. The fun, the drama, and the friendships that evolved there. Cardboard Characters really took me back (I was an art nerd, you know, painting, pottery, and whatever else got me out of gym). I had that first crush, that class I took just to relax, the place I ate lunch, the friends I hung out with and those I avoided like the plague, the crazy things we did, and I also had that semester or year when everything seemed to fall apart. For Leah, it all began with a monologue.

Disaster strikes when Leah tries her best to do her worst monologue for a part in a school play (written by another student, Minerva) and [as some sick joke to her] gets cast as the lead. Her best friend Eddie thinks it's great, Leah on the other hand, not so much. As practice for the play begins so does a bunch of other problems, mainly money problems the drama club is facing. And, from there, it just gets better. To help their troubles the student government sends in Nathan, the treasurer, and also Leah's old current crush.

Back to my favorite relationship of the book, Eddie and Leah. Eddie and Leah are pretty much the ultimate best friends. They pretend to be spies and thieves and have these elaborate games they play, I WANT AN EDDIE IN MY LIFE, they understand each other! And, Leah is just plain hilarious (I love evil Leah), from the very beginning I knew we were all going to get along.
"It's official: Evil Leah has been awakened. Well, Actually, lately it seems like she wakes up every once in awhile, does something dumb, and then goes back to sleep, leaving me to deal with the mess."  
It's great.

While cracking me up, Julie also has a real talent for making the reader emotionally attached to her characters. Throughout the book I found myself cheering on certain characters (Kyle, an actor in the drama club) and booing others (Vinnie, student government president). The relationships between the students in drama club get stronger as the story goes and as events unfold that could mean the end to their play and the department. Working together this group of spunky teens hope to overcome some obstacles and along the way Leah begins to realize some things about her life.

Leah's confidence wanes, she starts to question and think about things like Eddie's feelings for her, Nathan and her feelings for him, and more. She's a well-rounded, relatable character and it's fun to hear her thoughts even if she is a little crazy. Not everyone is perfect.

Overall Cardboard Characters is a delightful and real YA contemporary. It has a sunny setting and a slew of great characters, cardboard and not.

And with that, I leave you with another great phrase from the inner workings of Leah's brain:
"So, I bet you're wondering what Minerva's play is about. Yeah, join the club. (But not the drama club. Har dee har har.) I've been trying to figure that out ever since we started rehearsals two weeks ago."
So go, read Cardboard Characters and laugh with me at some of the inside jokes!

5/04/2012

Blog Tour: The Kiss Off Review


The Kiss Off by Sarah Billington
★★★★☆
Release Date: May 15, 2012
Age: YA
Genre: Contemporary Romance, High School, Music, Rock Star, Love
Content: Sexual References and Some language
Format: e-book
Source: Author and Blog Tour Hosted by Missy Reads and Reviews
Pre-Order it
When sixteen year old Poppy Douglas writes a song about her ex-boyfriend Cam and ex-friend Nikki, she has no idea that her heartbreak is about to go global. A local band picks up her song from Youtube and soon she’s along for the ride with her own fanbase as they blow up on the local club scene and hit the international charts. Though it turns out leaving Cam behind isn’t as easy as she had hoped. Tangled in a web of unfinished homework, ill-considered sexting and a new lead-singer boyfriend, Poppy has a choice to make between the ex that inspired it all and the rock God whose poster lines the inside of half the lockers at school. But as she struggles to keep her emotional dirty laundry private, she learns that the truth can be hard to find when your life is in the headlines.
The Kiss Off is an incredibly fun book, one of my favorites this year. I absolutely adore this slew of characters, the hilarious moments, and the cute love stories (and like stories). It's a tale of High School romance told by an amazing author!

Poppy is a great character. She was a normal teenager until the song she wrote is heard by millions of people, and one of those people is just a stranger on a bus until a chance meeting. This stranger, Ty, is one swoon worthy leading man. I just love the chemistry that Sarah creates between her characters (and not just the main ones, all characters are created equal in The Kiss Off), love it. When Ty's band plays the song, they make it big time, and Poppy is along for the ride. Screaming fans and groupies gave me this Between the Lines feel, I LOVE Between the Lines. It is just a great novel and I can go on and on about what I love but I think anyone reading this should check it out on release day!

Poppy's home life is chaotic. With two younger siblings, there is an endless supply of hilarious and sometimes embarrassing moments. But, what would high school be without some drama and surprise. Her parents are down to earth and another great addition to the story. And, although they aren't keyed into Poppy's life in the beginning of the book, they have a fantastic presence at the end.

All around I absolutely adore this book and recommend it to anyone looking for an excellent contemporary read. It's a wonderful love story that many of us can relate to. Being 16 is great, but Poppy has her share of rocky waters through the story. Read it! I can't wait to check out more books by Sarah Billington!

The Author

Sarah Billington is an Australian writer and editor who likes to write stories with love, laughs, suspense and zombies. Sometimes all in the same story. Her favouritest thing to write about are those horrendously awkward moments that come with being a teenager. Or a human being. Sarah was extremely accident-prone and klutzy as a kid and teen, so her cup runneth over with experiences of horrendously awkward moments to draw from in her writing. Thankfully, she has grown out of her klutziness. Mostly. She is, however, still an embarrassment. She loves a variety of random things, which include doggies (hers as well as yours), Swing Dancing, Ice Hockey, Roller Derby and she is a bit obsessive about paranormal investigation shows and channel E!. She writes light-hearted works under Sarah Billington, and darker, scarier and more torturous stories under her pen name, Edwina Ray. She also runs an editing, cover design and ebook formatting company Billington Media.
Tour Wide Giveaway
Commenters will go into a drawing to win 1 of 10 ebook copies of The Kiss Off and 3 winners will win the entire Sarah Billington back catalogue of ebooks (2 novel + 3 short stories).

Make sure to check out Crazed Bookie tomorrow for the next stop on the tour!